From the Guidelines
Diampa M and Glimet 5/500 should not be taken together due to the risk of severe hypoglycemia and other adverse effects. Diampa M contains Glimepiride and Metformin, while Glimet 5/500 contains Glibenclamide (also known as Glyburide) 5mg and Metformin 500mg. Both medications work through similar mechanisms - the sulfonylurea component (Glimepiride or Glibenclamide) stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, while Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Taking both medications simultaneously could cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may lead to confusion, dizziness, sweating, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. According to the most recent guidelines, metformin is the preferred initial pharmacologic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it should be continued when used in combination with other agents, including insulin, if not contraindicated and if tolerated 1. However, the use of sulfonylureas, such as Glimepiride and Glibenclamide, should be done with caution, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease, as they can increase the risk of hypoglycemia 1. Therefore, if you are currently prescribed both medications, consult your healthcare provider immediately to determine which one is appropriate for your treatment. Blood glucose monitoring is essential when taking these medications, and they should be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and minimize hypoglycemia risk. Additionally, the healthcare provider should consider the patient's individual factors, such as comorbidities, hypoglycemia risk, and patient preferences, when choosing the most appropriate pharmacologic treatment for type 2 diabetes 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Drugs Affecting Glucose Metabolism A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require glimepiride dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring for hypoglycemia or worsening glycemic control The following are examples of medications that may increase the glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylureas including glimepiride, increasing the susceptibility to and/or intensity of hypoglycemia: When these medications are administered to a patient receiving glimepiride, monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question about Diampa M and glimet 5/500. 2
From the Research
Diampa M and Glimepiride 5/500
- Diampa M is not a recognized medication, however, it is possible that it refers to a combination of medications or a specific treatment regimen.
- Glimepiride 5/500 is likely referring to a medication that contains 5mg of Glimepiride, a second-generation sulfonylurea used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus 3.
Mechanism of Action and Effects
- Glimepiride stimulates pancreatic β cells to release insulin, and also works through several extra-pancreatic mechanisms 3.
- It is effective in reducing fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels 3, 4.
- Glimepiride can be combined with other antihyperglycemic agents, including metformin and insulin, in patients who are not adequately controlled by sulfonylureas alone 3, 4, 5, 6.
Combination Therapy
- The combination of glimepiride and metformin has been shown to be more effective in controlling HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and post-prandial blood glucose than either glimepiride or metformin alone 4.
- The combination of glimepiride and metformin has also been compared to the combination of rosiglitazone and metformin, with the latter showing a significant improvement in blood pressure control 5.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the combination of glimepiride and metformin was more effective than the combination of iDPP4 and metformin in second-line pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus 6.
Safety and Efficacy
- Glimepiride has been associated with a lower risk of hypoglycemia and less weight gain compared to other sulfonylureas 3.
- The combination of glimepiride and metformin has been shown to be well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events 4, 5, 6.
- However, the combination of glimepiride and metformin has been associated with a higher incidence of hypoglycemia compared to the combination of iDPP4 and metformin 6.